South Korea

South Korea Travel Guide

South Korea is a country of natural wonders, teeming
metropolises, and romantic legends. Tourist discover the hidden
treasures of the mountainous Korean peninsula, poking southwards
from the eastern end of the Asian continent.

South Korea has been separated from North Korea by a
demilitarised zone since 1953, flourishing to become a stable and
mature democracy. Its 50 million people inhabit nine provinces and
are concentrated in seven megacities.

Ringed by mountains, the capital of Seoul is the largest and
most frequented city. The world's tenth largest city, its ancient
shrines nestle beneath soaring skyscrapers in an urban sprawl of
vibrant nightlife, unforgettable dining, and unique
attractions.

Another area rich in tourist attractions is the southeastern
region, with its wealth of archaeological treasures. Gyeongju,
ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, is an open-air museum
boasting tombs, temples, pagodas, and ruins dating from as early as
57 BC.

With its luxury hotels, the Bomun Lake Resort is a fine base
from which to explore the area. New resort complexes are currently
under construction to open up this fascinating area to even more
tourist opportunities.

The least populated area of the country is Gangwon-do Province,
on the eastern side of the peninsula. Here, remote forested
mountains and valleys are studded with small towns. This area,
which played host to the Asian Winter Games in 1999, is fast
becoming one of the world's most sought after skiing destinations.
For the rest of the year, visitors are drawn to the province's
magnificent beaches and scenic hiking trails.

Those seeking a romantic getaway should head for South Korea's
resort island, Jejudo, known as 'Little Hawaii' because of its
subtropical vegetation, volcanic landscape, sandy beaches, and
sparkling waterfalls. The island is dominated by the towering Mount
Halla volcano. But visitors need not fear a natural disaster as the
volcano was last active in 1007.